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The opening of an exhibition of paintings by a famed Holocaust survivor in Hong Kong had a surprise guest of honor: US President Barack Obama’s half-brother, Mark, who is Jewish.

The exhibition was put on to celebrate the work of artist and Holocaust survivor Sara Atzmon, and was hosted by the University of Hong Kong. The event was sponsored by the local Jewish community and the Israeli consulate in Hong Kong. Atzmon’s work will be on display until the beginning of May.

The opening ceremony aroused great interest in the local media, which eagerly interviewed Atzmon, who traveled from Israel to be there.

But it was Mark Obama who really stole the show. Mark, who is very open and proud of his Jewish heritage, lives in China, where he is a teacher and business consultant.

Years ago, Mark Obama visited Israel. He said that visit had been important as a way to connect to his roots and honor his mother and grandmother, who had fled anti-Semitism in Lithuania. Mark said that Atzmon’s paintings reminded him of his time in Jerusalem, “an experience I will never forget.”

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